Colonials took bloody beating at Battle of Minisink By John Conway For
the Times Herald-Record

On July 20, 1779, Joseph Brant, Mohawk chief and
British Army colonel, led a raiding party of Indians and Tories against the settlement at Minisink, near present-day Port
Jervis. Brant, an astute military tactician, had learned that a Colonial Army detachment under Count
Pulaski, which had been assigned to defend the sparse settlements in the Mamakating, Neversink and Delaware valleys, had been
re-deployed elsewhere, leaving the area largely unprotected. Brant's objective was to gather livestock, produce and whatever
other provisions he could find and stockpile them in order to help the British and their Indian allies camped out in the Susquehanna
Valley survive the following winter. If he could devastate and demoralize the settlers and distract the Colonials from their
fight with the regular British Army, all the better. Having completed the raid, plundering and burning
homes, killing the men and dispersing the women and children, Brant and his men took their bounty and returned northward,
along the Delaware, on their way back to the Susquehanna. Word of the raiding party soon reached Goshen,
where the call went out for the militia to gather under the leadership of a local physician, Col. Benjamin Tusten. After
hotly deliberating the merits of engaging the marauders in combat, Tusten and 149 men – merchants, farmers and clerks,
and what James Eldridge Quinlan later described as "some of the principal gentlemen of the county" – set out the next
day in pursuit of their quarry. "Colonel Tusten was opposed to risking an encounter with the subtle Mohawk
chief with so feeble a command," Quinlan wrote, "especially as the enemy was known to be greatly superior to them in numbers.
The Americans were not well provided with arms and ammunition, and it was wise to wait for reinforcements. "Others, however,
were for immediate pursuit. They held the Indians in contempt, insisted that they would not fight, and declared that a recapture
of the plunder was an easy achievement. "The excited militia men took up their line of march, and followed
the old Kathegton (Cochecton) trail 17 miles, when they encamped at Skinner's mill, near Haggie's Pond, about three miles
from the mouth of Halfway Brook." The following morning, July 22, 1779, Tusten and his men, bolstered by a contingent from
Warwick under the command of Col. John Hathorn, finally confronted Brant on the banks of the Delaware just above present-day
Barryville. Almost immediately, Brant deftly cut the militia's force in two and an epic battle ensued
on a hilltop overlooking the river. Ammunition was soon depleted, and the combat was reduced to hand-to-hand,
with the Mohawks and Tories getting much the better of it. The militia was routed, and nearly all of those who stayed and
fought were killed, including Tusten. Following the bloody daylong battle, Brant and his remaining men
forded the river and continued on their journey. They somehow managed to avoid the severe retribution for their actions administered
a few weeks later by Gen. John Sullivan and his army of 3,000, who swept through Wawarsing, Mamakating and Deerpark, through
Easton and Tioga Point, and destroyed anything Iroquois they encountered along the way. The remains of
those slain on that desolate Barryville hilltop in what forever after would be known as the Battle of Minisink were not afforded
a proper burial. Quinlan wrote that "for 43 years the bones of those who had been slain on the banks of the Delaware were
permitted to molder on the battle ground. But one attempt had been made to gather them, and that was by the widows of the
slaughtered men, of whom there were 33 in the Presbyterian congregation of Goshen. They set out for the place of battle on
horseback, but finding the journey too hazardous, they hired a man to perform the pious duty, who proved unfaithful and never
returned." Finally, in 1822, "a committee was appointed to collect the remains and to ascertain the names
of the fallen. The committee proceeded to the battle ground, a distance of 46 miles from Goshen, and viewed some of the frightful
elevations and descents over which the militia had passed when pursuing the red marauders. The place where the conflict occurred,
and the region for several miles around, were carefully examined and the relics of the honored dead gathered with pious care.
The remains were taken to Goshen, where they were buried in the presence of 15,000 persons." A monument
was erected to mark the mass grave, upon which was inscribed the names of the 44 men killed in the battle. Unfortunately,
as meticulous as the search for remains had been, only 300 bones were recovered, far fewer than had been expected. Nature
and the denizens of the forest had no doubt disposed of the rest. This sad occurrence moved the Monticello
poet Alfred B. Street to write in the final stanza of his 10-stanza commemorative of the battle:"Years have pass'd by, the merry bee Hums round the laurel flowers,
The mock-bird pours its melody Amid the forest bowers; A skull is at my feet,
though now The wild rose wreathes its bony brow, Relic of other hours,
It bids the wandering pilgrim think Of those who died at Minisink."

John
Conway is the Sullivan County historian and an adjunct professor of history at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake.
He lives in Barryville.

On July 22, 1779, the upper Delaware's only major Revolutionary War skirmish
was fought on a hill above Minisink Ford. It was here that a group of Orange County militiamen –
under the command of John Hathorn of Warwick – suffered a devastating defeat by a band of Indians and Tories, under
the command of Col. Joseph Brant. Brant, a Mohawk chief, had struck a deal with the British in a bid
to protect Mohawk hunting grounds and to halt the advance of white settlers. In return, Brant vowed Mohawk support against
the colonist revolution. On July 21, 1779, Brant led a daring raid on Minisink. In Hathorn's own words,
he received "an Express from Minisink that the Indians were ravaging and burning that place." Hathorn's
militia decided to pursue Brant and his party. But en route, some of Hathorn's Warwick regiment left their ranks and fled
home. As day broke on July 22, on a hill above the Delaware – near what is now Port Jervis –
Hathorn marched his men toward the river and into a slaughter. The militia found itself surrounded by
a force of 60 Indians and 27 Tories. Almost 50 of Hathorn's men were killed in the four-hour battle.
Most died when they ran out of gunpowder and broke ranks. Panicked, they ran down the hill toward the river, where, amid "cruel
yelling," they were cut down by Brant's men. The rest of the militia scattered. It was a crushing defeat
that struck fear in the hearts of all Orange County colonists.

Brant and his fighting men were the scourge of the Shawangunk region during the entire War of the Revolution. His name
was a terror to the inhabitants of that locality; and deeds of blood and cruelty, performed by him and under his direction,
are told to this day that are too harrowing for belief.

Historians differ as to whether Col. Joseph Brant was
a half-breed or a pure-blood Mohawk. The traits of character developed in his career would seem to indicate the latter
as being nearer the truth. He had one sister, Molly, who became the leman of Sir William Johnson. Brant was placed, through the influence of Sir William, at a school in Lebanon, Connecticut,
where the lad was educated for the Christian ministry. It would appear, however, he adopted an entirely different mode
of life. At the age of twenty he became the secretary and agent of Sir William, through whose influence he was induced
to espouse the cause of Great Britain in the revolutionary trouble that was brewing. Through the same influence he was
created a Colonel of the British army; and by reason of his birth was a warrior-chief of the Iroquois. Having had the
advantages of a liberal education, he became, in consequence, an influential personage among them, and was treated with much
consideration by the British monarch. He organized and sent forth the predatory bands of Indians which devastated the
frontier from the Water-Gap to the Mohawk river. Some of these irruptions he commanded in person, particularly those
which visited Wawarsing (Ulster county) and Minisink. In 1780 he boasted that the Esopus border was his old fighting
ground.

His personal appearance is thus described: “He was good
looking, of fierce aspect, tall, and rather spare, and well-spoken. He wore moccasins elegantly trimmed with beads,
leggings, and a breech-cloth of superfine blue, a short, green coat with two silver epaulets, and a small, round laced hat.
By his side was an elegant, silver-mounted cutlass; and his blanket of blue cloth (purposely dropped in the chair on
which he sat, to display his epaulets) was gorgeously adorned with a border of red.”

Brant has been denounced as an inhuman wretch. Even
an English author attributes to him the atrocities of Wyoming. Although in battle he generally gave full scope to the murderous
propensities of his followers, it cannot be denied be endeavored to mitigate the horrors of war whenever he could do so without
destroying his influence with his own race.

During the summer of 1779, Brant with about three hundred
Iroquois warriors set out from Niagara. About the middle of July they appeared on the heights on the west of Minisink,
like a dark cloud hanging on the mountain tops, ready to break upon the plain below. Just before daylight, on the morning
of the 20th, the inhabitants of the valley were awakened from their slumbers by the crackling of the flames of their dwellings.
Cries of dismay, the shrieks of the victims of the tomahawk and scalping knife, and the war-whoop of the savages, broke
the morning air in all their terror. Some managed to escape to the woods with their wives and children, and some to the blockhouses.
The savages and Tories plundered, burned and killed as they were disposed.

After destroying twenty-one dwellings and barns, together with the old Mamachamack
church and a grist-mill, and killing an unknown number of patriots, the enemy disappeared loaded with spoil. They did
not attack any of the block-houses, for which the red men entertained a wholesome fear.

On the evening of the same day Col. Tusten, of Goshen, received intelligence by an express of the events of the morning. He immediately
issued orders to the officers of his command to meet him the following morning (the 21st) with as many volunteers as they
could raise. One hundred and forty-nine men were at the place of rendezvous at the appointed time.

A council of war was held to consider the expediency
of pursuit. Col. Tusten was opposed to risking an encounter with the noted Mohawk chief, especially as his followers outnumbered
the Goshen militia, two to one. Besides the militiamen were not well supplied with arms arid ammunition, and the Colonel counseled
that they wait for reinforcements which were certain to arrive. Others, however, were for immediate pursuit. They
affected to hold the Indians in contempt; and declared that they would not fight, and that a recapture of the plunder was
an easy achievement. The counsels of reckless bravery, untempered by reason and intelligence, are not always wisest to follow.
The deliberations were cut short by Major Meeker, who, mounting his horse and flourishing his sword, vauntingly
called out-`Let the brave men follow me; the cowards may stay behind!”

This appeal decided the question; it silenced the prudent. The line of march was
immediately taken up, following the old Cochecton trail seventeen miles, where they encamped at Skinner's mill.

The pursuit was commenced some time in the night.
Tradition and the testimony of old papers show that the party reached the house of James Finch, at what is now Finchville, where they took breakfast. Mr. Finch slaughtered a hog, which he
roasted and served up to his guests. The patriots partook of a hurried meal, gathered up the fragments of the hog into
their knapsacks, and continued their march over the mountain. They told Mr. Finch not to accompany them, but to stay
and have dinner ready for them on their return, as they would be gone but a few hours. Their way led them along the
depression where the present highway is laid, past the burial ground where the dead of the settlement were formerly buried;
and from the summit of the pass nearly half of their number took their last view of the eastern slopes.

Crossing the mountain, they reached the house of Major Decker, then pushed on over an Indian trail seventeen miles further. How many of our strongest men,
in these effeminate days, could endure such a tramp, encumbered with guns and knapsacks?

On the morning of the 22nd they were joined by a small
reinforcement of the Warwick regiment under Col. Hathorn, who, as the senior of Tusten, took the command. At Halfway brook they came upon the
Indian encampment of the previous night, and another council was held. Colonels Hathorn, Tusten and others were opposed to
advancing further, as the number of Indian fires, and the extent of ground the enemy had occupied were conclusive evidence
of the superiority of Brant's force. A scene similar to that which had broken up the former council was here enacted,
with the same results. The voice of prudence had less influence than the voice of bravado. It is said that the
officer to whose tauntings this last rash act is attributed made quite a display of his bravery while on the march, but, with
his company, was only within hearing while the engagement lasted, and could not be induced to go to the relief of his countrymen.

It was evident that Brant was not far in advance,
and it was important to know whether he intended to cross the Delaware at the usual fording-place. Captains Tyler and Cuddeback, both of whom had some knowledge of the woods, were sent forward with a small scouting
party to reconnoitre Brant's movements. What they saw led them to think Brant had already crossed, as there were savages
and plunder on the opposite shore, and an Indian was then passing over, mounted on a horse that had been stolen from Major
Decker. The two scouts fired at this fellow, and, it is said, wounded him fatally. But they were immediately shot
at by some savages in their rear, and Capt. Tyler fell dead. Cuddeback succeeded in reaching tne main body of tne militiamen,
and reported what he had seen and heard. Tyler's death caused a profound sensation among his fellow soldiers, but it
only served to add fierceness to their determination.

After leaving the mouth of the Halfway brook* (now Barryville) it is believed that Brant followed the river bank to the Lackawaxen ford, to which he had sent
his plunder in advance. Hathorn resolved to intercept him at the crossing, and to do so attempted to reach the ford
first by a rapid march over the high ground east of the river. As they approached the ground on which the battle was
fought, Brant was seen deliberately marching toward the ford. Owing to intervening woods and hills, the belligerents
lost sight of each other, when Brant wheeled to the right and passed up a ravine known as Dry brook, over which Hathorn `s
route lay. By this stratagem, Brant was enabled to throw himself into Hathorn `s rear, cutting off a portion of Hathorn
`s command, deliberately selecting his ground for a battle, and forming an ambuscade.

The battle-ground, says Quinlan, is situated on the crest of
a hill, half a mile northeasterly from the Dry brook at its nearest point, three miles distant from Barryville and one from
Lackawaxen. The hill has an altitude of twenty-five or thirty feet above its base, and two hundred above the Delaware,
and descends east, west and south, while there is a nearly level plateau extending toward the north. This level ground
is rimmed (particularly on the south side) with an irregular and broken ground of rocks. On that part of the ground
nearest the river the Americans were hemmed in, and caught like rats in a trap.

The battle commenced at nine in the morning. Before a
gun was fired, Brant appeared in full view of the Americans, told them his force was superior to theirs, and demanded their
surrender, promising them protection. While engaged in parley, he was shot at by one of the militiamen, the ball passing
through Brant's belt. The warrior thereupon withdrew and joined his men.

The battle commenced at nine in the morning. Before a
gun was fired, Brant appeared in full view of the Americans, told them his force was superior to theirs, and demanded their
surrender, promising them protection. While engaged in parley, he was shot at by one of the militiamen, the ball passing
through Brant's belt. The warrior thereupon withdrew and joined his men.

The battle opened and the forces were soon engaged in deadly conflict. Above the din of the strife,
the voice of Brant was heard, in tones never to be forgotten by those, who survived, giving orders for the return of those
who were on the opposite side of the river.

A part of the Americans kept the savages in check on the north
side of the battle-ground, while others threw up hastily a breastwork of stones about one hundred and fifty feet from the
ledge which terminated the southern extremity of the plateau. Confined to about an acre of ground, screened by trees,
rocks, fiat stones turned on their edges, or whatever opportunity offered or exigency demanded, were ninety brave men, who,
without water, and surrounded by a host of howling savages, fought from ten o'clock to near sundown on a sultry July day.

The disposition of the militia, and the effectual manner in which every assailable point
was defended, reflects credit on the mind that controlled them. By direction of Hathorn there was no useless firing. Ammunition
was short, and it was necessary to husband it carefully. A gun discharged in any quarter revealed the position of its
possessor, and left him exposed until he could reload. With the exceptions indicated, every man fought in the Indian mode,
each for himself, firing as opportunity offered, and engaging in individual conflicts according to the barbarian custom.

The annals of modern times contain no record of a more stubborn
and heroic defense. In vain Brant sought for hours to break through the line. He was repelled at every point.

What the fifty men were doing all that eventful day, who were
separated from their companions during the morning, no one can now tell. We will put a charitable interpretation on
their conduct, and suppose they were driven away by superior numbers. Their movements are veiled in oblivion, and there
let them remain.

As the day drew to a close, Brant became disheartened. The
position of the brave patriots seemed to be impregnable, and it is said he was about to order a retreat when the death of
a militiaman opened the way into the American lines. This faithful soldier had been stationed behind a rock on the northwest
side, where he had remained all day, and kept the savages in check. Brant saw the advantage his death afforded, and,
with the Indians near him, rushed into the midst of the Goshen militia. The latter seeing the savages swarming into
the centre of the hard-fought field, became demoralized, and sought safety by flight. Many of them were killed or wounded
in the attempt. Some incidents of the battle are worth repeating.

Brant killed Wisner with his own hand. Some years afterward he was heard to say that after the battle
was over, he found Wisner on the field so badly wounded that he could not live nor be removed; that if he was left alone on
the battle-field wild beasts would devour him; that he was in full possession of all his faculties; that for a man to be eaten
by wild beasts while alive was terrible; that to save Wisner from such a fate, he engaged him in conversation, and shot him
dead.

Captain Benjamin Vail was wounded in battle, and after the fight was over, was found seated upon a rock, bleeding.
He was killed while in this situation, and by a Tory.

Doctor Tusten was behind a rock attending to the necessities of the wounded when the retreat commenced. There
were seventeen disabled men under his care, who appealed for protection and mercy. But the savages fell upon them, and
all, including the Doctor, fell victims to the tomahawk and scalping-knife.

Several attempted to escape by swimming the Delaware, and were
shot. Of those engaged in the battle, thirty escaped, and forty-five, it is known, were killed. The remainder
were taken prisoners, or perished while fugitives in the wilderness.

Major Wood, of the militia, though not a Mason, accidentally gave the Masonic sign of distress. This was
observed by Brant, who interposed to save Wood's life, giving him his own blanket to protect him from the night air while
sleeping. Discovering subsequently that Wood was not one of the Brotherhood, he denounced the deception as dishonorable,
but spared his life. The blanket was accidentally damaged while in the prisoner's possession, which made Brant very
angry.

One of the militiamen attempted to escape with the others,
but was so far exhausted that he was forced to turn aside and rest. In a little while he saw several Indians, one after
the other, pass by in pursuit of the militia, but managed to keep himself out of their sight. Presently a large and
powerful Indian discovered him, when, raising his gun, he fired his last shot and fled. The savage did not pursue; he
was probably disabled by the shot if not killed.

Samuel Helm was stationed behind a tree, when he discovered the head of an Indian thrust from behind a neighboring
trunk, as if looking for a patriot to shoot at. Helm fired and the savage fell; but Helm was immediately hit in the thigh
by a ball from another Indian whom he had not seen. Helm dropped to the earth, but the savage did not immediately rush up
to take his scalp, being anxious first to discover the result of his shot. This gave Helm a chance to reload which he
did behind a natural breast-work which screened him from view. After dodging about a little the Indian made a dash for
his scalp, but received a bullet instead, which put an end to his life. Helm said that the consternation of the Indian,
on being confronted with the muzzle of his gun, was truly ridiculous.

In April of the following year, Brant started from Niagara with another force to invade the frontier. At
Tioga Point he detailed eleven of his warriors to go to Minisink for prisoners and scalps. With the remainder of his
force, he started to invest the fort at Scoharie. Here he captured some prisoners who made him believe that the place
was garrisoned by several hundred men-a bit of strategy that foiled even the wily Indian chieftain. Brant turned back,
and shaped his course down the Delaware. One day his command was startled by the death-yell, which rang through the
woods like the scream of a demon. They paused, waiting for an explanation of this unexpected signal, when, presently,
two of the eleven Indians who had been sent to the Minisink emerged from the woods, bearing the moccasins of their nine companions.
They informed their chief that they had been to Minisink, where they had captured, one after the other, five lusty men,
and had brought them as far as Tioga Point and encamped for the night. Here, while the eleven Indians were asleep, the
prisoners had freed themselves from the cords which bound them, when each took a hatchet, and with surprising celerity brained
nine of their captors. The other two savages, aroused by the noise of the blows, sprang to their feet and fled; but
as they ran, one of them received the blade of a hatchet between his shoulders. Thus was the death of the slain heroes
of Minisink avenged.

For forty-three years the bones of those heroes slain on the
banks of the Delaware were allowed to molder on the battleground. But one attempt had been made to gather them, and
that was by the widows of the slaughtered men, of whom there were thirty-three in the Presbyterian congregation of Goshen.
These heroic ladies set out for the battle-field on horseback; but, finding the journey too hazardous, they hired a
man to perform the pious duty, who proved unfaithful and never returned.

In 1822, the citizens of Goshen were led to perform a
long-neglected duty by an address of Dr. D. R. Arnell at the annual meeting of the Orange County Medical Society, in which he gave a brief biography
of Dr. Tusten. A committee was appointed to collect the remains and ascertain the names of the fallen.

The committee at once set upon the duty before them. The
first day they traveled forty miles through the wilderness. At Halfway-brook, six miles from the battle-ground, the
party left their horses. The vicinity was an unbroken wilderness, with no trace of improvement of any kind, and the
danger of attempting to ride was so great that they chose to clamber over the rough ground on foot.

The committee were astonished at the route taken by the little
army; the descents were frightful and the country rugged beyond conception. The majority of the bones were found on
the spot where the battle was fought and near a small marsh or pond a few rods east. This fact shows that the militia,
made reckless by thirst, went for water and were killed. Some were found at a distance of several miles. They
were the remains probably of wounded men, who had wandered away and finally died of their wounds and hunger. Wild beasts may
have removed others. The skeleton of one man was found in the crevice of a rock where he had probably crept and died.
The whole number of bones collected by the Committee was about three hundred; other bones were subsequently found by
hunters and brought in.

It may be suggested that all of the bones collected may not
have been the remains of the white soldiers; that it would be impossible to distinguish, so long afterwards, the skeleton
of a white man from that of an Indian. It should be borne in mind that it was the rule of Indian warfare, when successful,
to gather up and carry off all their slain. On this occasion the survivors saw the Indians engaged in this very duty.

The gathered remains were taken to Goshen, where they were
buried with imposing ceremonies in the presence of fifteen thousand persons, including the military of the county, and a corps
of cadets from West Point under the command of Major Worth.

This monument gradually fell into decay and no measures were taken to preserve it. In 1860, Merrit H.
Cook, M. D., a resident of Orange County, bequeathed four thousand dollars for a new one, which was dedicated on the 83d anniversary
of the battle, on which occasion John C. Dimmick, a native of Bloomingburgh, officiated as orator of the day. Mrs. Abigail
Mitchell, a daughter of Captain Bezaleel Tyler (slain a the battle of Minisink), was present, and witnessed the ceremonies. She
was five years old at the time of the battle, and had resided the greater part of her life at Cochecton. On the 22d
of July, 1879, the one hundredth anniversary of the Minisink battle, a large enthusiastic gathering was held on the battle-ground.
Although the approach to the place was rough and exceedingly difficult, it being necessary to cut a road through the
woods for the occasion, upwards of two thousand persons were present at the ceremony. A monument was set upon the ground
sacred to the blood of the slain heroes, and dedicated in commemoration of their services.

It was on one pleasant morning in June that we left the
hotel at Lackawaxen before the people were astir, and crossing the Delaware and Hudson aqueduct, began the winding ascent
of the mountain. After a brisk walk of about two miles we came to the residence of Mr. Horace E. Twichell, to whom we had a letter of introduction. That gentleman kindly volunteered to go
with us to the battle-ground, which lies partly on his premises, and locate the points of interest.

On the neck of land there is a huge boulder. Behind this
natural rampart, a hunter had taken his position on the day of the fight, and while his comrades loaded the guns for him,
he effectually swept the only available approach to the battle-ground, as to keep the whole force of Indians at bay during
the entire contest. At length the hunter was killed, and the Indians, taking advantage of the circumstances, rushed
in and the battle became a rout.

A few yards from this rock, screened on all sides by the contour
of the ground and the protecting ledge, the spot was pointed out where for years lay the skeletons of the brave Dr. Tusten
and his seventeen slain companions, who were all tomahawked and scalped after the battle was over. Further on stands
an old pine tree, on which are the initials “J. B.,” believed to have been cut in the bark by the Indian fighter,
Joseph Brant.

An incident of the battle was related to me while rambling
over the field. A soldier was assisting a wounded comrade to escape. The Indians were heard in close pursuit, and the
wounded man soon saw that all efforts on his part were fruitless. So taking his pocket-book and papers he handed them
to his companion, with the request that he give them to his wife at Goshen, and bade him leave him to his fate. The
man made good his escape, and delivered the package and money as directed.

Mother McGowan, still living at Handsome Eddy, used to see the skeletons around the spring to the east of the
battle-ground, and remembers seeing some of the soldiers that were engaged in the battle.

Mr. Isaac Mills, about forty years ago, found a skeleton
about three-fourths of a mile from the battle-field. Judge Thomas H. Ridgeway, of Lackawaxen, informed us that he remembers going to pick huckleberries on the mountain
seventy years ago, when the skeletons of the slain Minisink heroes lay thickly scattered about among the bushes, and distinctly
recalls his childish fears of the bones.

Near the foot of the monument, entirely covered up with loose
slate, was found the skeleton of a man. This was probably the work of the Indians, who, for some reason, gave this man
a sepulture.

By Dan HustMINISINK FORD — July 24, 2001 – Though it was a tremendously
lethal battle fought in part due to a premature musket shot, a record crowd of 150 people remembered on Sunday that sacrifice
of life and limb made by 44 militiamen two centuries ago.For 122 years, residents of and visitors to Minisink Ford on
the Delaware River have observed a memorial to the only Revolutionary War battle to occur on Sullivan County soil, and Sunday’s
event at the top of a small hill in the county’s Minisink Battleground Park carried on that tradition.“We
are all in their debt,” remarked Sullivan County Legislator Kathleen LaBuda, who represents the region known as District
2. “Living up to that high history isn’t easy.”On July 22, 1779, about 120 militiamen arrived from Orange
County to catch a band of marauding Native Americans in the Delaware River corridor. The leader of the Indians, however, was
ready for them thanks to the premature firing of a militiaman’s gun, and the resulting battle decimated the militia,
forcing them to flee into the woods.Though a defeat for colonists, the battle was never forgotten, and the Sullivan County
Historical Society, which organized the event, made doubly sure of that on Sunday.The actual observances began earlier
in the afternoon across the river at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier in Lackawaxen, Pa. Although one speaker pointed out
that new DNA identification techniques might finally determine the militiaman’s name, the event served to recollect
the contributions of all the unknown soldiers who served in the wars of the United States.And just like the warring forces
of 200 years ago, attendees made their way across the river to ascend the hill to the battlefield itself – albeit more
peacefully, and via the famous Roebling Aqueduct.National Park Service Historian Mary Curtis entertained and educated
guests with stories about the lives and battles of Revolutionary War-era people, and shortly thereafter, people walked up
another short hill to see the monument and flagpole dedicated to the militiamen’s memory.Waiting for them were members
of Eldred’s Sylvan Liebla American Legion Post #1363, Tusten-Highland VFW Post #6427 and the Navasing Long Rifles, a
local group of Revolutionary War re-enactors who had set up authentically re-created camps and displays.The keynote speaker
of the ceremony was Elizabeth McKee, the New York State Vice-Regent of the National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution (DAR).“New Yorkers can be proud of their contributions [to the Revolutionary War],” she said. “New
York suffered the greatest loss in terms of death and human suffering for liberty.”Other speakers included county
Veterans Agency Director Eric Nystrom, National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Acting Superintendent
Sandra Schultz, Beaverkill DAR Chapter member Shirley Bone and Minisink Valley Historical Association Executive Director Peter
Osborne.Said a somber Schultz, “There are so many people left out of the dream of freedom. Let’s remember
those who are not included.”Osborne spoke of his association’s preservation of the battlefield during the
late 1800s, when there was talk of converting it into a bluestone quarry. It was a thought picked up on by McKee.“We
must make every effort to keep history alive,” she said. “The Sullivan County Historical Society is to be commended
for keeping the memory of the Battle of Minisink alive, lest we forget.”

On July 22, 1779, …a party of Tories and Indians under the Mohawk Col.
Joseph Brant decimated a pursuing force of New Jersey and New York militia in a bloody fight at Minisink Ford in what is now
Sullivan County, NY. Though much has been written on the Battle of Minisink [since the first commemorative exercises held
in 1822], the events of that horrific day are shrouded in uncertainty. The causes of this historical confusion can largely
be traced to conflicting accounts in early recollections, to the poor quality of battleground maps in many subsequent writings,
and to the fact that the wilderness site lay neglected for 43 years before the remains of the slain militiamen were recovered.

The Minisink battleground is preserved as a county park near the top of a
flat-topped hill 500 feet above an enclosing right-angle bend of the Delaware River opposite Lackawaxen, PA. Bedrock at the
site consists of gently north-dipping, planar- and crossbedded sandstones of the Lackawaxen Member of the Late Devonian-age
Catskill Formation. The upper east face of the hill, where most of the battle was apparently fought, consists of a series
of four topographic steps formed by sandstone ledges 10 to 20 ft high. The orientation of the ledges [and the topographic
configuration of the entire hillside are] controlled by subvertical north-south bedrock joints. The ledges step down to the
valley of a small spring-fed stream that descends in a southeast direction to the Delaware.

Terrain and geological features that had an impact on the most probable battle
scenario were the Minisink ford (localized the action at a strategic Delaware River crossing), the spring-fed ravine (allowed
a party of Brant’s men to come up behind the militia early in the action), the bedrock ledges (controlled the later
battle lines and gave shelter to the combatants), and “Sentinel Rock” (an isolated residual boulder that, according
to tradition, marks the spot where the enemy broke through the militia’s final hilltop position).

[The Battle of Minisink took place two days after Brant’s frontier raid
on the settlement of Minisink (present-day Port Jervis, 17 miles to the southeast) and was the “high water mark”
of Iroquoian military success in the Revolutionary War. Nine days later, Gen. John Sullivan began his march northward from
the Wyoming Valley to destroy Indian strongholds in western New York, a campaign that effectively crippled the military and
political power of the Iroquois Confederacy.]

Benjamin Vail and Stephen Savy had much in common, though they never
knew each other. Their lines would intertwine with the marriage of Hannah Vail Smith's daughter, Lucy Jane Smith and Frank
Wayne Savey. Captain Vail was killed at the battle of Minisink, andStephen Savy was captured by the British and Indians in a separate action conducted during the Sullivan Clinton campaign. The focal point
of the Sullivan-Clinton Expedition was the eradication of the Iroquois Nation and the punishment of Brant for his daring raids
- one of which resulted in the Battle of Minisink.

An abbreviated version describing a small portion of the Minisink battle
including Vail's role is as follows.

"Brant killed Wisner with his own hand. Some years afterward he was heard
to say that after the battle was over, he found Wisner on the field so badly wounded that he could not live nor be removed;
that if he was left alone on the battle-field wild beasts would devour him; that he was in full possession of all his faculties;
that for a man to be eaten by wild beasts while alive was terrible; that to save Wisner from such a fate, he engaged him in
conversation, and shot him dead.

Captain Benjamin Vail was wounded in battle, and after the fight was over,
was found seated upon a rock, bleeding. He was killed while in this situation, and by a Tory. Doctor Tusten was behind a rock
attending to the necessities of the wounded when the retreat commenced. There were seventeen disabled men under his care,
who appealed for protection and mercy. But the savages fell upon them, and all, including the Doctor, fell victims to the
tomahawk and scalping-knife. Several attempted to escape by swimming the Delaware, and were shot. Of those engaged in the
battle, thirty escaped, and forty-five, it is known, were killed. The remainder were taken prisoners, or perished while fugitives
in the wilderness.

Major Wood, of the militia, though not a Mason, accidentally gave the
Masonic sign of distress. This was observed by Brant, who interposed to save Wood's life, giving him his own blanket to protect
him from the night air while sleeping. Discovering subsequently that Wood was not one of the Brotherhood, he denounced the
deception as dishonorable, but spared his life. The blanket was accidentally damaged while in the prisoner's possession, which
made Brant very angry.

One of the militiamen attempted to escape with the others, but was so
far exhausted that he was forced to turn aside and rest. In a little while he saw several Indians, one after the other, pass
by in pursuit of the militia, but managed to keep himself out of their sight. Presently a large and powerful Indian discovered
him, when, raising his gun, he fired his last shot and fled. The savage did not pursue; he was probably disabled by the shot
if not killed. Samuel Helm was stationed behind a tree, when he discovered the head of an Indian thrust from behind a neighboring
trunk, as if looking for a patriot to shoot at. Helm fired and the savage fell; but Helm was immediately hit in the thigh
by a ball from another Indian whom he had not seen. Helm dropped to the earth, but the savage did not immediately rush up
to take his scalp, being anxious first to discover the result of his shot. This gave Helm a chance to reload which he did
behind a natural breast-work which screened him from view. After dodging about a little the Indian made a dash for his scalp,
but received a bullet instead, which put an end to his life. Helm said that the consternation of the Indian, on being confronted
with the muzzle of his gun, was truly ridiculous."

This official report by Col. Hathorn gives an eyewitness account of the disastrous battle by its commander.
The document is owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society as part of the Draper Manuscript Collection. In the late 1800's
Lyman Draper collected numerous documents about the Battle of Minisink. Although he never published a book using his research,
his work was later drawn upon by Vernon Leslie to write The Battle of Minisink.

Microfilms
of the entire collection are available from various agencies. The exact citation for this document is: Draper Manuscript,
Vol. 20F Page 35 . Image provided by and used with the permission of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Transcription

[as it appeared in the Weekly Register,
Newburgh NY, July 23, 1879with corrections from microfilm copies by S. Gardner]

Warwick, 27 July 1779

Sir,In conformity to the
Militia Law I embrace this first opportunity to communicate to your Excellency my proceedings on a late tour of duty with
my Regiment. On the Evening of the 21st of this incident I received an order from his Excellency General Washington, together
with a requisition of the Commissary of Prisoners to furnish one hundred men of my Regiment for to guards the British Prisoners
on their way to Easton (?), at the same time received an Express from Minisink that the Indians were ravaging and burning
that place. I ordered Three Companies of my regiment—Including the Exempt Company to Parade for the Purpose of the General,
the Other Three Companies to March Immediately to Minisink on the 22. I arrived with a part of my people at Minisink, where
I found Col. Thurston & Major Meeker of New Jersey with part of their Regiments who had marcht with about forty men the
whole amounting to one hundred and Twenty Men Officers Included. A Spy came in and Informed me the Enemy lay about four hours
before and Mungaup Six Miles distant from us. Our people appeared in high spirits, we marched in pursuit with and Intention
either to fall on them by Surprise or to gain and front and ambush them. We was soon informed that they were on their March
up the River. I found it Impracticable to surprise them on the Grounds they now were and took my Rout along the Old Keshethton(?)
Path. The Indians Encamped at the Mouth of the halfway brook, we encampted at 12 O'clock at Night at Skinners Saw Mill three
Miles and a half from the Enemy where we lay the Remainder of the Night. The Mountains were so exceedingly ragged and high
we could not possibly get at them as they had passed the grounds the most favorable for us to attack them on before we could
overtake them. Skinners is about eighteen miles from Minnisink. At day light on the morning of the 24 after leaving our horses
and disengaging of every thing heavy we marched on with intention to make the attack the moment and opportunity offered. In
Indians probable from some discovery they had made of us marched with more alacrity and usually with an intention to get their
Prisoners Cattle and plunder taken at Minnisink over the river. They had almost affected getting their Cattle and baggage
across when we discovered them at Lacawak, 27 miles from Minnisink some Indians in the river and some had got over. It was
determined in council to make an attack at this place. I therefore disposed of the men into three Divisions, ordered Col.
Thurston to Command the one on the Right and to take the one on the right and to take post about three hundred yards distance
on an eminence to secure our right; sent Col. Wesner with another Division to file out to the left and to dispose of himself
in the like manner. In order to prevent the Enemy from gaining any advantage on our flank, the other Division under my Command
to attack them with that Vigour Necessary to Strike Terror in such a foe. Capt. Tyler with the Advance Guard unhappily discharged
his pierce before the Divisions could be properly posted which put me under the necessity of bringing on the Action. I ordered
my Division to fix their Bayonets and push forcibly on them, which order being resolutely executed put the Indians to the
utmost confusion great numbers took into the river who fell from the well directed fire of our Rifle men and incessant blaze
from our Musketry without returning any fire. The Division in the rear not subject to order broke, some advanced down the
hill toward me other fled into the woods. I soon perceived the enemy rallying on our right and recrossing the river to gain
the height, I found myself under the necessity to really all my force which by this time was much less that I expected. The
enemy by this time had collected in force and from the best accounts can be collected a reinforcement from K? began to fire
on our left: We returned the fire and kept up a constant brush firing up the hill from the river in which the brave Capt.
Tyler fell, several were wounded. The people being exceedingly fatigued obliged me to take post on a height which proved to
be a strong and advantageous ground. The enemy repeatedly drew toward me. These spirits of these few notwithstanding their
fatigue, situation, and unallayed thirst, added to that the cruel yelling of those bloody monsters, the seed of Anak in size,
exceed thought or description. We defend the ground near three hours and a half during the whole time one blaze without intermission
was kept up on both sides. Here we have three men killed and nine wounded. Among the wounded was Lt. Col. Thurston, in the
hand, Major Meeker in the shoulder, Adjt. Finch in the Leg., Capt Jones in the foot, and Ensign Wood in the Wrist. The chief
of our people was wounded by Angle shots from the Indians behind Rocks and Trees. Our Rifles here were very usefull. I found
myself under the necessity of ceasing the fire, our Ammunition from the continued fire of more than five hours naturally suggested
that it must be Exhausted, ordered no person to shoot without having his object sure that no short might be lost. This gave
spirits to the Enemy who formed their whole strength and force the North East part of our Lines. Here we gave them severe
Gaul. Our people not being able to support the lines retreated down the hill precipitately towards the River. The Enemy kept
up a constant fire on our Right, which we returned. The people by this time was so scattered I found myself unequal to rally
them again consequently every man made choice of his own way. Thus ended the Action.The following are missing in the whole
from the last accounts:

Several wounded men are in. I hope others will yet be found. I received
a wound on my head, one on my leg and one on my thigh. [Slighty] the one on my thigh from Inattention is a little Troublesome.
Several spies that lay near the Enemy that night following the action inform me that they moved off their wounded in canoes
in the day following; that on the ground where they lay there was great quantities of blood, and the whole encampment was
marked with wounded men. Great numbers of plasters and bloody rags was found. Although we suffered by the loss of so many
brave men, the best for the number, without sensible error in the Precinct It's beyond doubt the enemy suffered much more.
From the various parts of the action can be collected a greater number of Indians dead that we lost, besides their wounded.
The number of Indians and Tories is not ascertained. Some accounts say 90 other 120, others 160. Col. Seward of New Jersey,
with 93 men, was within five or six miles of the action on the Pennsylvania side, did not hear the firing, approached and
lay near the Indians all night following, and from their conduct and groaning of the wounded gave rise to the belief that
they had been in some action where they had suffered and would have attacked them round their fire but a mutiny arose among
some of his people which prevented – a very unfortunate and to be lamented circumstance. If in their situation he had
attacked them with the common smiles of Providence he must have Succeeded and put them to total rout. Dear Governor it's not
in my power to paint out to you the disagreeable situation I was In, surrounded by a foe with such a handful of valuable men
not only as soldiers but as fellow citizens and members of society, and nothing to be expected but the hatchet, spear, and
scalping knife. The tremendous yells and whoops, all the fiends in the confines of the Infernal Regions with one united cry,
could not exceed it. Add to this the cries and petitions of the wounded around me not to leave them, was beyond parallel or
idea. My heart bleeds for the unfortunate wounded who fell into their hands. However, circumstances give me little consolation.
Mr. Roger Townsend of Goshen received a wound in his thigh; exceedingly thirsty, making an attempt to go to some find some
water, was met by and Indian who very friendly took him by the hand and said he was his prisoner and would not hurt him. A
well-directed ball from one of our men put the Indian into a dose, and Mr. Townsend ran back into the lines. I hope some little
humanity may yet be found in the breasts of the savages.

I should be at the greatest loss was I to attempt to point
any officer or soldier that exceeded another in bravery during the time of the general action. To much praise cannot be given
to them for their attention in receiving orders and alacrity in executing them.

I have acquiescend with Col. Woodhull
in ordering one eighth of our Regiments to Minisink as a temporary guard until your Excellency's pleasure is known on the
subject.

The Indians were under the command of Brant, who was either killed or wounded in the action. They burnt Major
Decker's house and barn, Samuel Davis's house, barn and mill, Jacobus Fleck's house and barn, Daniel Vaneker's barn (here
were two Indians killed from a little fort round the house which was saved, Esquire Cuykindall's house and barn, Simon Westfall's
house and barn, the Church, Peter Cuykindall's house and barn, Mertinus Decker's fort, house, barn, and saw-mills, and Nehemiah
Patterson's saw-mill; killed and scalped Jeremiah Vanoker, Daniel Cole, Ephriam Ferguson and one Tavern and took with them
several prisoners mostly children, with a great number of horses, cattle, and valuable plunder. Some of the cattle we rescued
and returned to the owners.

I hope your Excell'y will make allowance for the imperfect stile, razures and blotts on
this line, whilest I have the honor to subscribe myself with the most perfect esteem, in haste,

General George Washington decided, in the spring of 1779
to send a strong force into western New York to chastisethe Indians and free the exposed settlements on the Susquehanna, Mohawk, and Delaware Rivers from surprise
attacks. About the same time Mohawk Chief Thayendeneges (Joseph Brant) led a party of 60 Indians and 27 Loyalists down the
Delaware to secure supplies for his hungry people in the western settlements.

On July 20, 1779 Brant attacked the unprotected Minisink settlement located near what is now Port Jervis. When
news of this destructive raid reached Lt. Col. Benjamin Tusten at Goshen, he hastily assembled a militia and set out in pursuit
of Brant's men. The two parties met near the mouth of the Lackawaxen on the Delaware on July 22. Tusten learned that Brant
and his men were already crossing the River at the Minisink Ford with their stolen cattle, their plunder, and their prisoners.
He intended a surprise the Indians but a shot by one of his men alerted Brant and gave him sufficient warning to defend himself.
Part of his party was still on the New York side of the river. He led his men up a wooded hill while his remaining force recrossed
the Delaware. Responding quickly, Brant used a party of 40 men to split the militia's line and attacked the rear of the larger
segment. The Militia who were separated from the main body fled. Utilizing bush warfare, Brant was able to surround the militia
and wage a fierce battle.After four hours Brant’s men who broke through their
lines routed the depleted militia, out of ammunition and suffering from thirst. Dr. Benjamin Tusten and forty-four militiamen
were killed during battle.

Brant and his band escaped up the Delaware and the American survivors returned
home during the days immediately following the battle. Several initial efforts were made to recover the bodies of the defeated Colonials, but it wasn’t until
1822, 43 years later, when an expedition was sent out from Goshen to recover the skeletons that could be found. The
remains of the fallen militiamen were buried in Goshen on July 22, 1822 with a ceremony that was witnessed by an estimated
12,000 people.

Although the Battle of Minisink was an Indian/Tory victory, Washington's troupes
under the leadership of General John Sullivan advanced into Western New York and eventually defeated the Indians and destroyed
their settlements.

The Minisink Battleground Park is located in Southern
Sullivan County, off Route 97 just west of Barryville, NY.

Colonel John Hathorn's account of the battle:

Sir/

Warwick 27th: July 1779

In conformity to the Militia Law,
I Embrace this first opportunity to Communicate to your Excellency my proceedings on a late Tour of duty with my Regiment.
on the Evening of the 21st~ of this Instant I recieved an Order from His Excellency General Washington, together with a requisition
of the Com­missary of Prisoners to furnish one hundred Men of my Regi­ment for to guard the British Prisoners on their
way towards Easton. at the same time recieved an Express from Minisink that the Indians were ravaging and burning that place.
I ordered Three Companies of my Regiment—Including the Exempt Com­pany, to parade for the purpose of the Guard the
other three Companies to March immediately to Minisink on the 22. I arrived with a part of my people at Minisink, where I
found Col. Thurston & Major Meeker of New Jersey with parts of their Regiments who had marcht with about Eighty Men up
the River a few Miles I joined this party with about Forty men, the whole amounting to one hundred and Twenty Men Officers
included, a Spy came m and Informed me the Enemy lay about four hours before at Mun­gaup Six Miles distant from us. Our
people appeared m high Spirits, we marched in pursuit with an Intention Either to fall on them by surprise or to gain in front
and Ambush them. we was soon informed they were on their March up the River.
I found it Im­practicable to surprise them on the Grounds they now were and took my Route along the Old Keshethton path.
the Indians En­camped at the Mouth of the half way brook. we encamped at 12 oClock at Night at Skinners Saw Mill three
Miles and a half from the Enemy, where we lay the Remainder of the Night. the Moun­tains were so Exceeding rugged &
high we could not possibly get at them, as they had passed the grounds the most favourable for us to attack them on before
we could overtake them. Skinners is about Eighteen Miles from Minisink. at day light on the morning of the 23after Leaving our Horses and disengaging of everything heavy
we Marched on with Intention to make the Attack the Moment an opportunity offered. The Indians probable from some discovery
they had made of us marched with more Alacrity than Usual, with an Intention to get their Prisoners, Cattle & plunder
taken at Minisink over the River. they had almost Effected get­ting their Cattle & baggage across when discovered
them at Lackawack 27 Miles from Minisink some Indians in the River and some had got over, it was determined in Council to
make an attack at this place I therefore disposed of the Men into three Di­visions, ordered Col. Thurston to Command the
one on the Right and to take post about three hundred yards distance on an Erninence to Secure our Right Lt. Col. Wesner,
with another Division to file of to the Left and dispose of himself in the like manner. In order to prevent the Enemy from
gaining any Advantage on our flanks. the other Division under my Command to attack them with that Vigour necessary to Strike
Terror in such a foe. Capt. Tyler with the advance Guard, unhappily discharged his piece before the Divisions could be properly
posted, which put me under the necessity of bringing on the Action. I ordered My Division to fix their Bayonets and push forcibly
on them, which order being resolutely Executed put the Indians in the utmost Confusion. great Numbers took into the River
who fell from the well directed fire of our Rifle Men, and Incessant Blaze from our Musketry, without returning any fire.
the Divisions in the Rear not Subject to order broke. some advanced down the hill towards me, others fled, intothe Woods.I soon percieved the Enemy Rallying on our Right and
Recrossing the River to gain the heighths. I found myself under the Necessity to Rally all my force which by this time was
much less than I Expected. the Enemy by this time had Collected in farce & from the best Accounts can be collected received
a Reinforcement from Keshethon began to fire on our Left. we returned the fire and kept up a Constant Bush firing up the hill
from the River, in which the brave Capt. Tyler fell. Several were wounded. the People being exceedingly fatigued obliged me
to take post on a heighth which proved to be a piece of Strong and Advantagious ground the Enemy Repeatedly approached us
from 40 to 100 yds distance and were as repeatedly repulsed. I had now but about 45 Men (Officers Included) who had lost their
Command naturally drew towards me. the spirits of these few, notwithstanding their fatigue situation & unallayed thirst
adding to that the Cruel Yellings of those bloody monsters, the seed of Anak in Size Ex­ceed thought or description, we
defended this ground near three hours and half, during the whole time one blaze without Intermis­sion was kept up on both
Sides. here we had three men killed and Nine Wounded. among the Wounded were Lieut. Col Thurston in the hand Major Meeker
in the sholder, Adjutant Finch in the Leg Capt. Jones in the foot and Ensign ‘Wood in the Wrist, the Chief of our people
was wounded by Angle Shots from the Indians, from behind Rocks and Trees, our Rifles here were very Usefull. I found myself
under the necessity of Ceasing the fire our Ammunition from the Continued fire of more than five hours, naturally Suggested
that it must be Exhausted, ordered no person to Shoot, without having his Object Sure that no Shot might be lost. this gave
Spirit to the Enemy who formed their whole Strength and forced the North East part of our Lines, here we gave them a Severe
Gaul. our people, not being able to support the lines retreated down the hill precipitately towards the River the Enemy kept
up a Constant fire on our Right which was re­turned, the people this time was so Scattered I found myself unequal to Rally
them again consequently every Man made Choice of his own way. thus Ended the Action—

In the whole Twenty one Men

Several Wounded Men are come
in I hope numbers of Others will yet be found. I recieved a Wound in my head, one in my Leg and one in my thigh Slightly the
one in my thigh from Inat­tention is a little Troublesome Several Spies that lay near the Enemy the night following the
Action inform us that they moved off their Wounded in Canoes on the day following that on the Ground where they Lay there
was great Quantities of Blood their whole Encampment was marked with wounded Men, great Numbers of Plaisters & bloody
Rags was found. altho we Suffered by the Loss of so many brave men, the best, for the number with­out Sensible Error in
the Precinct, its beyond doubt, the Enemy Suffered much more, from the Various parts of the action can be collected a greater
number of Indians Dead than we lost besides their Wounded, the Number of Indians & Tories is not ascertained, some accounts
says 90 others 120 others 160—Col. Seward of New Jersey with 93 men was within five Six Miles of the Action on Pennsylvania
side did not hear the firing, ap­proached and Lay near the Indians all night following, and from their Conduct and Groanings
of the Wounded gave rise to a be­lief that they had been in some action where they had suffered, and would have attacked
them round their fires but a Mutiny arose among some of his People which prevented: a very unfav­ourable and to be Lamented
Circumstance if in their situation he had attacked them with the common Smiles of Providence he must have Succeeded and put
them to a Total rout.

Dear Governor its not in my Power
to point out to you the disagreeable Situation I was in Surrounded by a foe with a handful of Such Valuable Men not only as
Soldiers but as fellow Cittizens and members of Society and nothing to be Expected but the Hatchet Spear, and Scalping Knife.
The Tremendous Yells and Whoops all the fiends in the Confines of the Infernal Regions with one United Cry could not Exceed
it. add to this the Cries the Entreaties and feeling Petitions of the Wounded around me not to leave them was—is beyond
parallel or Idea. my heart Bleeds for the unfortunate who fell wounded into their hands. however one Circumstance gives me
a little Consolation. Mr. Roger Townsend of Goshen recieved a Wound in his Thigh being Exceeding Thirsty makeing an attempt
to go to find some Water, was met by an Indian who very friendly took him by the hand, said he was his Prisoner, and would
not hurt him. a well directed Ball from one of our Men put the Indian in a dose and Mr. Townsend ran back into the Lines.
I hope some Little humanity may be Yet found in the breast of those Savages.

I should be at the Greatest Loss was I to attempt
to point out one Officer or Soldier that Exceeded another in bravery dureing the time of the General Action. too Much praise
cant be given to them for their attention in Recieving orders and alacrity in Executing them.

I have acquisced with Col Woodhull in ordering
1/8th of our Regiments to Minisink as a Temporary Guard—until your Excellency’s pleasure is known on the Subject—

The
Indians were under the Command of Brant who was Either Killed or Wounded in the Action they Burnt Major Deckers House and
Barn Samuel Davis’s House Barn & Mill Jacobus Van Vlecks House & Barn, Daniel Vanokers Barn, here was Two Indians
Killed from a Little Fort round the house—which was Saved. Esquire Cuykindalls house & barn Simon Westfalls house
and barn, the Church Peter Cuykindalls house and Barn Mertintus Deckers

Children with a great Number of Horses Cattle & Valuable Plunder. some of the Cattle we resqued and
returned to the owners. I hope your Excell’y will make allowance for the Imperfect Stile, Razures & Blots of this
Line whilst I have the honour to Subscribe myself with the most perfect Esteem in hast

Your Excellencies

Most Obt

Servt

John Hathorn Col

Joseph Brant's account of the battle:

Oghwage July 29th 1779

Sir/

I beg leave to acquaint you, that I arrived here
last night from Minisink, and was a good deal disappointed that I cou’d not get into that place at the time I wished
to do, a little before day; instead of which I did not arrive ‘till noon, when all the Cattle was in the Woods so we
cou’d get but a few of them. We have burnt all the Settlement called Minisink, one Fort excepted, round which we lay
before, about an hour, & had one man Killed & one wounded. We destroyed several small stockaded Forts, and took four
Scalps & three Prisoners; but did not in the least injure Women or Children. The reason that we cou’d not take more
of them, was owing to the many Forts about the Place, into which they were always ready to run hike ground Hogs. I left this
Place about 8 oClock next day, and marched 15 miles, there are two roads, one thro’ the woods, the other alongside the
River; we were coming up this road next morning, and I sent two men to examine the other road, the only way the Rebels cou’d
come to attack us; 4 these men found the Enemy’s path not far from our
Camp, & dis­covered they had got before to lay in ambush—The two Rascals were afraid when they saw the Path,
and did not return ‘to in— form us, so that the Rebels had fair play at us. They fired on the Front of our People
when crossing the River, I was then about 400 yards in the Rear, as soon as the Firing began I immediately marched up a Hill
in their Rear with 40 men, & came round on their backs, the rest of my men were all scattered on the other side; however,
the Rebels soon retreated and I pursued them, until1 they stopt upon a Rocky Hill, round which we were employed & very
busy, near four hours before we cou’d drive them out. We have taken 40 odd scalps, and one Prisoner, a Captain. I suppose
the Enemy have lost near half of their men & most of their Officers: they all belonged to the Militia & were about
150 in number.

I am informed by the Prisoners, that the King’s
Troops had taken a Post below the Highlands on the north River, called King’s Ferry, in which were 50 men, and had built
a Fort on each side of the River: That after this Genl Clinton sent a part of his army into New England, took several Towns,
and destroyed a great deal of stores &c.—that Genl. Washington in the mean time sent part of his Army in the night
& surprized one of his Forts, m which 500 men were taken Prisoners—this affair happened some time ago

The night after we left Minisink, I received another piece of Intelligence that Genl. Clinton at the head of a great army
was coming up the North River, and drove Genl. Washington and his Army before him, and obliged him to retreat up the River
in a hurry; this news I received from the Rebels, who also said the Country were extremely alarmed. I find the Enemy certainly
intends an expedition into the Indian Country, & have built strong Forts—by the last accounts they were at Wyoming.
perhaps by this time they may be at Shimong, where I have sent my Party to remain ‘till I join them; I am now seting
off with 8 men to the Mohawk River, in order to discover the Enemy’s motions.

In the last skirmish we had 3 men killed & 10 wounded.

John
the Mohawk dangerously wounded, and 3 more almost in a bad a situation—I am afraid they will not recover—

LACKAWAXEN — "This is a reminder of the great responsibility we all hold as Americans to honor our heritage and ensure
that those who went before will never be forgotten," township supervisor Ed DeFebo said.

DeFebo was describing annual ceremonies at the Scenic Drive grave of one of the 45 Patriot dead from the 1779 Battle of
Minisink — the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution.

Town of Delaware historian Mary Curtis at the Minisink Battleground Park.

The battle followed a series of raids in Orange County by Tory, Mohawk chief Joseph Brant. Local militia pursued him and
to their distress, caught up at Minisink Ford.

Ceremonies were held on both sides of the river on July 22, the day of the battle.

The mid-week afternoon ceremonies brought out local officials and small audiences of predominantly long-time participants.

Color guards from New York and Pennsylvania veterans' organizations were on hand to provide military honors at both the
gravesite and at the Minisink Ford battleground, which is now a Sullivan County park.

Speakers at both ceremonies recalled the efforts of the late former Sullivan County Historian William Smith, who organized
the annual ceremonies from 1971 to 1996.

National Park Service Upper Delaware superintendent Cal Hite told the Lackawaxen audience that while most Americans had
never heard of the Unknown Soldier buried here or the Minisink Battle, the sacrifices of those involved were no less important
than of those who died at Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill.

Referring to the current 20th anniversary of the federal wild and scenic designation of the Upper Delaware, Hite said the
lengthy "lesson in democracy," which created the management structure for the river, was a fitting tribute to the soldiers
of the revolution. The fact that a way of life in the river valley was protected "obviously demonstrates that they did not
die in vain."

New York keynote speaker Mary Curtis said the battleground is for her a "special place." She is a direct descendent of
Oliver Caulkins, a militiaman at the battle.

The Town of Delaware historian's remarks also included an 1879 speech delivered by her great-grandfather, Charles T. Curtis,
when the battleground's monument was dedicated.

She noted those remarks held no acrimony for the Mohawks under the command of Brant.

Unlike the Old World, "Americans have never been very good at passionate recollection of old wounds," she said.

Commending that strength, she concluded, "We must not be straddled by history ... but use it as a stepping stone to a hate-deprived
future."

January 6-9, 1779Actions at Fort Morris (Sunsbury), GeorgiaGeneral
Augustine Prevost assumes command of British forces in the South and proceeds to initiate offensive operations. A skirmish
commences on January 6, when a force of 2,000 British engages a much smaller force of 200 Continentals led by Major Joseph
Lane. After Prevost positions his artillery Lane surrenders. Each side incurs only minor casualties.

January 26, 1779Engagement at Burke County Jail, GeorgiaAfter
the British capture Savannah, they offer immunity from prosecution to those who will affirm their loyalty to the Crown. Some
patriots meet at the jail to determine how to counteract any possible defections from the patriot cause. There is an attempt
to apprehend some Loyalists in the area. This skirmish, fought on the banks of the McIntosh Creek, is indecisive.

February of 1779

February 14, 1779Battle of Kettle Creek, GeorgiaA local
militia force led by Colonel Andrew Pickens defeats a larger force of Loyalists commanded by Colonel Boyd. The Loyalists lose
70 killed and another 75 wounded or captured, compared to 9 killed and 23 wounded for the patriots. Boyd, who is wounded during
the engagement, dies shortly afterward. This victory provides a significant boost for patriot morale and prevents the southern
Loyalists from rallying.

May of 1779

May-September, 1779Sullivan’s ExpeditionMajor General
John Sullivan receives orders from Washington for the “total destruction and devastation” of the lands of the
Six Nations in upstate New York. Sullivan completely ravages the lands of the Iroquois to such an extent that they never recover.
With their food supplies destroyed, the Indians are forced to winter outside Ft. Niagara, where many perish from scurvy.

May 9, 1779British raid Norfolk, VirginiaBritish forces
led by Major General Edward Matthew and Commodore George Collier disperse the garrison at Fort Nelson and raid Norfolk. They
capture large quantities of both war materiel and tobacco while destroying numerous coastal vessels and two French merchantmen.

May 10, 1779Benedict Arnold begins his treasonEmbittered
because the Continental Congress was slow in recognizing his achievements between 1775-1777 and charged with abusing his authority
while in command of Philadelphia, Arnold opens negotiations with Sir Henry Clinton, the British commander in New York.

May 23, 1779Benedict Arnold provides the British with informationArnold
provides Clinton with intelligence so that he can formulate his plans against Washington’s Continental Army. This also
provides Clinton with evidence of Arnold’s sincerity.

June of 1779

June 1, 1779Clinton begins his upstate New York offensiveActing
on information provided by Benedict Arnold, Sir Henry Clinton commences an offensive up the Hudson River. He captures Verplanck’s
Point and the still uncompleted fort at Stony Point.

June 20, 1779Battle of Stono Ferry, South CarolinaA force
of 6,500 Continental soldiers, led by Major General Benjamin Lincoln, launches a poorly conceived and executed attack against
the 1,200-man British rearguard commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Maitland. The American losses come to 146 killed and
wounded and 155 missing in action. The British lose only 23 killed and 104 wounded. The battle’s only results are that
the British speed up their plans to retreat to Beaufort.

June 21, 1779Spain declares war against Great BritainFrance
induces Spain to declare war on the British by promising to assist the Spanish in recovering Gibraltar and Florida after the
British reject the Spanish ultimatum presented to them on April 3. Spain refuses to recognize or enter into an alliance with
the United States. However, the Spanish commence joint naval operation with the French and this assists the American cause.

June 28, 1779Engagement at Hickory Hill, GeorgiaAn American
force commanded by Colonel John Twiggs kills or captures an entire force of 40 British grenadiers.

July of 1779

July 2, 1779Action at Poundridge, New YorkBritish Colonel
Banastre Tarleton, commanding a force of 360 mounted Loyalists, attempts to capture Major Ebenezer Lockwood and defeat the
2nd Continental Dragoons at this town located 20 miles northeast of White Plains. These 90 dragoons are supporting local militia.
Casualties were light on both sides although Tarleton is elated at capturing the colors of the 2nd Continental Dragoons that
are discovered in the officer’s baggage.

July 5-11, 1779British raid Connecticut coastThis is a large-scale
raid commanded by General William Tryon, the last royal governor of New York. Tryon gathers a force of 2,600 men at Whitestone,
New York, and arrives at New Haven, Connecticut on July 4. The 150-man strong patriot militia is unable to stop Tyron from
burning a number of homes and ships in the harbor. The towns of Fairfield, Norwalk, and Green’s Farms receive similar
treatment.

July 16, 1779Battle of Stony Point, New YorkGeneral Anthony
Wayne launches a coup de main against British fortifications after being ordered to do so by Washington. Stony Point threatens
West Point, which is only 12 miles up the Hudson River. Wayne, at the head of 1,200 soldiers, assaults what the British believe
is an impregnable position losing only 15 killed and 83 wounded. British losses are 94 killed and wounded and 472 captured.
Two days later, Wayne, now dubbed “Mad” for this attack, destroys the fortifications and evacuates the area.

July19-August 24, 1779The Penobscot expeditionMassachusetts,
without consulting either Continental political or military authorities, launches a 4,000-man expedition commanded by Commodore
Dudley Saltonstall and Generals Peleg Wadsworth and Solomon Lovell. Their objective is an 800-man British garrison at Penobscot
Bay. The expedition is a total failure. British warships destroy a large number of American ships while the patriots’
losses are in excess of 470. The British accomplish this at a cost of only 13 men. Several American officers are later court-martialed
because of this fiasco, including Paul Revere, who is acquitted.

July 22, 1779Battle of Minisink, New YorkMohawk Indian Chief
Joseph Brant, leading a mixed force of Loyalists and Indians, surrounds a force of colonial militia commanded by Lieutenant
Colonel (Dr.) Benjamin Tusten. The patriots are overwhelmed and Tusten and approximately 45 others are killed in the battle
and ensuing massacre while 29 others manage to escape.

August of 1779

August 5, 1779Action at Morrisania (Bronx), New YorkThis engagement is between Lieutenant Colonel
James De Lancey’s Loyalists and the Connecticut Brigade commanded by William Hull. The patriots destroy numerous buildings
and food stores while also capturing several Loyalists, along with some horses and cattle. First-hand accounts give conflicting
figures as to the number of casualties incurred by each side.

August 11-September 14, 1779Brodhead’s Allegheny River
expeditionColonel Daniel Brodhead, in conjunction with Major General John Sullivan, who commences an expedition in New
York, launches an ambitious assault through the Allegheny Valley. Brodhead leaves Pittsburgh at the head of 600 men and destroys
10 Indian villages and returns with much booty encountering only minimal resistance.

August 14, 1779Congress approves peace plan.The Continental
Congress approves a peace proposal that calls for not only independence but also the evacuation of North America by the British
and free navigation of the Mississippi River.

August 19, 1779American Raid on Paulus Hook (Jersey City), New
JerseyAn American force consisting of 400 men and led by Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee, who wins 1of 8 medals
awarded by Congress during the war, assaults the defensive positions of the British. Lee captures the position and the British
losses are 50 killed and 158 taken prisoner while Lee’s losses are only very minor. American morale receives a major
boost because of this action although Lee undergoes a court martial because several officers are jealous of his success. Lee
is not only vindicated but also is praised for his actions by the court.

August 26, 1779First U.S. decoration awarded to a foreign nationalCongress
bestows 1 of 8 medals awarded during the Revolution to Lieutenant Colonel Francois Louis Teissedre De Fleury. De Fleury distinguished
himself at both the battles of Germantown and Brandywine Creek.

August 29, 1779Battle of Chemung (Battle of Newton), New YorkAt
what is modern-day Elmira, Continental forces are led by Generals John Sullivan and James Clinton and defeat a combined force
of Loyalists and Indians commanded by Captain Walter Butler and Chief Joseph Brant. The Continentals are ambushed but manage
to use their artillery to drive off the Indians. However, the Americans are criticized for their failure to pursue the fleeing
Indians and gain a major victory. The Indians have many of their villages destroyed along with valuable supplies in retaliation
for their continued raids against frontier settlements. Still, they manage to keep up the pressure on frontier settlements.

September of 1779

September 3-October 28, 1779American defeat at Savannah, GeorgiaThe combined Franco-American
forces suffer a defeat while attacking the British at Savannah. Count Casimir Pulaski, the Polish cavalry leader, is mortally
wounded in an ill-advised charge during this engagement and dies a few days later. Count d’Estaing , who commands the
French forces, is also wounded. A black regiment raised by the French in the Caribbean participates in the attack. The Franco-American
forces incur 800 casualties while the British forces have only 140.

September 5, 1779American raid at Lloyd’s Neck, Long IslandDeparting
from Shippan Point, near Stamford, Connecticut, at the head of 150 dismounted dragoons, Major Benjamin Tallmadge captures
over 500 Loyalists without losing a single soldier under his command.

September 8, 1779The return of the French fleet to American
coastal waters.Admiral Charles d’Estaing arrives at the mouth of the Savannah River at the head of a fleet consisting
of 35 ships and 4,000 soldiers. Although he is without question personally brave, d’Estaing is an inept commander and,
as a result, this causes patriot morale to plummet because of his failures at New York, Newport, and Savannah.

September 15-16, 1779Naval action and allied blockade of Savannah,
GeorgiaD’Estaing captures two British frigates and two supply ships in the Savannah River. He then proceeds to move
against the British garrison commanded by General Augustine Prevost. The next day, General Benjamin Lincoln, commanding 5,000
soldiers, and Count d’Estaing, commanding another 5,000 men, invest the city of Savannah.

September 21, 1779The Spanish capture Baton Rouge, LouisianaThe
Spanish governor of Louisiana, Don Bernardo de Galvez, attacks and captures the British post and garrison at Baton Rouge,
in what was then known as West Florida. Included in the surrender are Natchez and other British posts on the Mississippi River.

September 23, 1779The U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard vs. the H.M.S.
SerapisJohn Paul Jones commands the Bonhomme Richard, a unseaworthy former merchantman, and engages the 44-gun frigate
Serapis commanded by Captain George F. Pearson. The far more powerful British ship has Jones on the verge of defeat when he
utters his famous words when asked to surrender, “I have not yet begun to fight.” Jones defeats the Serapis with
half his crew becoming casualties while capturing 500 British seamen. The next day the Bonhomme Richard sinks. On October
3, Jones sails the damaged Serapis into Texel in the Netherlands.

September 27, 1779John Jay is appointed minister to SpainJohn
Jay is appointed minister to Spain. However, there is no hope of obtaining Spain’s recognition for the fledgling republic.
All Jay manages to accomplish is to obtain a $170,000 loan and keep the Spanish covertly supplying the nation with war material.

October of 1779

October 22, 1779The New York Act of Attainder or Confiscation ActThe New York legislature declares
Governor Lord John Murray Dunmore, General Wiliam Tryon, Oliver De Lancey, along with 57 others, to be public enemies. As
a result of this act, these individuals have their personal estates confiscated.

December of 1779

December 1, 1779Washington establishes winter quarters at Morristown,
New JerseyAfter another inconclusive campaign season in the North, combined with the failure of d’Estaing to arrive
with his fleet at Sandy Hook, Washington’s army settles into a second season at Morristown. Record-breaking cold along
with a breakdown of the army’s supply system causes numerous desertions and some attempts at mutiny. Many consider this
the worst winter of the war.

December 29, 1779Clinton departs New York for South CarolinaGeneral
Sir Henry Clinton, at the head of 8,000 men, departs New York to commence a campaign in South Carolina and capture Charleston.
However, upon learning of a French expedition heading to America, he returns to New York and leaves General Charles, Earl
Cornwallis, in command.

Here is Shohola Township, on the Pennsylvania shore, a wild and rocky region fronting on the river for about
ten miles, and Shohola Creek rushes down a rocky bed through a deep gorge to seek the Delaware. It was at this place the surveyors'
line was drawn from the Lehigh over to the Delaware, after Marshall's fateful walk. The " Shohola Glen," a favorite excursion
ground, has the channel of the creek, only forty feet wide, cut down for two hundred feet deep into the flagstones, and it
plunges over four attractive cascades at the Shohola Falls above. A short distance northward the Lackawaxen flows in through
a fine gorge, broadening out as the Delaware is approached; and the canal, after crossing the latter on an aqueduct, goes
up the Lackawaxen bank. A grand amphitheatre of towering hills surrounds the broad flats where the Lackawaxen brings its ample
flow of dark amber-colored waters out of the hemlock forests and swamps of Wayne County to this picturesque spot. Here was
fought, on July 22, 1779, the battle of Lackawaxen or the Minisink, the chief Revolutionary conflict on the upper Delaware.
The battlefield was a rocky ledge on the New York side, elevated about five hundred feet above the river, amid the lofty hills
of Highland Township, in Sullivan County. The noted Mohawk chief, Joseph Brandt, with a force of fifteen hundred Indians and
Tories, came down from Northern New York to plunder the frontier settlements. Most of the inhabitants fled down to the forts
on the Lehigh or across the Blue Ridge, upon his approach ; but a small militia force was hastily gathered under Colonels
Hathorn and Tusten to meet the enemy, whom they found crossing the Delaware at a ford near the Lackawaxen. Hathorn, who commanded,
moved to attack, but Brandt rushed his Indians up a ravine, intercepting Hathorn just as he got out on the rocky ledge, and
cutting off about fifty of his rear guard. Hathorn had ninety men with him, who quickly threw up a rude breastwork, protecting
about a half-acre of the ledge. Their ammunition was scant, it was a terribly hot day, they had no water, and were soon surrounded
; but for six hours they bravely defended themselves, when, the ammunition being all gone, the Indians broke through their
line. Tusten was attending the wounded, and with seventeen wounded men, whom he was alleviating, was tomahawked, all being
massacred. The others fled, many being slain in the pursuit. Forty-four of the little band were killed, and the fifty in the
rear guard who had been cut off were never afterwards heard of. Years after-wards, the bones of the slain in this terrible
defeat were gathered on the field and taken across the Blue Ridge to Goshen for interment, and in 1822 a monument was erected
at Goshen in their memory, Colonel Hathorn, who was then living, making an address. On the centenary anniversary in 1879 a
monument was dedicated on the field, where faint relics of the old breastwork were still traceable on the rocky ledge perched
high above the river, almost opposite the mouth of the Lackawaxen.

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